Gansu Self-Driving Travel Guide

Of course! With a budget of 5,000 RMB, you can plan a 7-day self-driving tour in Gansu, allowing you to enjoy a flexible itinerary while taking in the magnificent scenery of Gansu. Below is a detailed self-driving guide tailored for you, covering routes, attractions, accommodations, dining, and important tips to help you have a great trip without exceeding your budget.

7-Day Gansu Self-Driving Travel Guide (Budget 5,000 RMB)
1. Itinerary Overview
Days Main Attractions Accommodation Suggestions Transportation
Day 1 Lanzhou Arrival, city tour (Yellow River Iron Bridge, White Pagoda Mountain) Lanzhou budget hotel or homestay Self-driving start point, short city driving
Day 2 Lanzhou—Jiayuguan (First and Greatest Pass of the Great Wall) Jiayuguan budget hotel Via G30 Expressway, about 370 km
Day 3 Jiayuguan—Dunhuang (Mogao Caves, Mingsha Mountain) Dunhuang budget hotel Via G30 Expressway, about 380 km
Day 4 Dunhuang (Crescent Lake, Shazhou Night Market) Same as above Free arrangement
Day 5 Dunhuang—Zhangye (Danxia Landform, National Geopark) Zhangye budget hotel Via G30 Expressway, about 500 km
Day 6 Zhangye (Colorful Danxia, Giant Buddha Temple) Same as above Free arrangement
Day 7 Zhangye—Lanzhou (Return) About 650 km Return or continue sightseeing
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Lanzhou
Arrival in Lanzhou: Starting point for self-driving; it is recommended to arrange your vehicle in advance.
Attractions:
Yellow River Iron Bridge (free)
White Pagoda Mountain Park (free, offers panoramic views of Lanzhou city and the Yellow River)
Accommodation: Lanzhou budget hotel or homestay, about 150 RMB/night.
Dining: Lanzhou hand-pulled noodles (20-30 RMB per person)
Day 2: Lanzhou—Jiayuguan
Driving distance: about 370 km, estimated 4-5 hours
Along the way: You can rest in small towns and enjoy the scenery.
Attractions:
Jiayuguan Great Wall (free or small ticket fee)
Jiayuguan Pass City Museum (ticket about 20 RMB)
Accommodation: Jiayuguan budget hotel, about 150 RMB/night
Dining: Local specialties, about 20-30 RMB per person
Day 3: Jiayuguan—Dunhuang
Driving distance: about 380 km, estimated 4-5 hours
Attractions:
Mogao Caves (ticket about 200 RMB, book in advance)
Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Lake (ticket about 100 RMB)
Accommodation: Dunhuang budget hotel, about 150 RMB/night
Tip: Start early and plan your time well.
Day 4: Dunhuang
Attractions:
Crescent Lake, Shazhou Night Market
You can choose to ride camels or experience the desert
Free arrangement: photography, relaxation, tasting Dunhuang local snacks
Accommodation: same as above
Day 5: Dunhuang—Zhangye
Driving distance: about 500 km, estimated 6 hours
Route: Along G30 Expressway, with magnificent scenery
Attractions:
Zhangye National Geopark (ticket about 80 RMB)
Danxia Landform (Colorful Danxia, ticket about 100 RMB)
Accommodation: Zhangye city budget hotel, about 150 RMB/night
Day 6: Zhangye
Attractions:
Giant Buddha Temple (free)
Colorful Danxia (if not finished, continue sightseeing)
Free arrangement: photography, relaxation, enjoy Danxia scenery
Accommodation: same as above
Day 7: Zhangye—Lanzhou
Driving distance: about 650 km, estimated 7 hours
Return: You can choose to depart early with breaks along the way or stay longer in Zhangye
End: Arrive in Lanzhou, pack up, and return
Budget Estimate (Total about 5,000 RMB)
Item Budget (RMB)
Fuel (total about 2,500-3,000 km) 1,500 RMB (fuel price 7-8 RMB/liter, consumption 7L/100km)
Accommodation (7 nights, 150 RMB/night) 1,050 RMB
Attraction tickets and parking fees 400 RMB
Dining (about 50-80 RMB/day) 500 RMB
Others (emergency, car wash, miscellaneous) 550 RMB
Total about 5,000 RMB
Tips
Vehicle preparation: Ensure the vehicle is in good condition, with spare tire and tools ready.
Navigation: Use Gaode or Baidu Maps, download offline maps in advance.
Accommodation: Book in advance to secure good prices.
Route planning: Adjust according to weather and road conditions, avoid peak hours.
Safe driving: Take breaks and arrange driving time reasonably.
Gear: Bring power bank, sunscreen, desert hat, and comfortable shoes.
I hope this self-driving guide helps you plan an unforgettable trip to Gansu! If you need more detailed attraction introductions or route suggestions, feel free to ask! Have a great trip!